2005 Nissan Xterra Off-Road Edition Road Test

Bigger, Better and More Refined

Let's flash back to the year 1999. The vehicle is the newly introduced Nissan Xterra. The target market is not your average SUV

The Xterra's rugged but stylish exterior has been pumped up for the 2005 model year. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

driver. Now flash forward to the year 2005. The vehicle is the redesigned and revamped, popular-selling Nissan Xterra. The market is still definitely not your average SUV driver. Why? Because as natural selection would have it, it's out with the old, and in with the way better.

The Xterra's rugged but stylish exterior has been pumped up for the 2005 model year, now built on a version of the Titan pickup truck's fully-boxed frame and featuring design cues from the original mixed in with the brand's new tougher truck image.

Its fender flares are now extra wide and completely integrated into the overall structure. Made of high-carbon steel,

The Xterra's fender flares are now extra wide and completely integrated into the overall structure. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

they are not only durable but are also not glued on as a separate piece, which helps to protect the exterior finish and enhances the rugged appearance.

Once again the Xterra includes an aluminum roof rack complete with an integrated basket for storing items such as soaking-wet towels, booties, clothing or anything that is covered in various liquids or grimes. In addition, the new latched lid on the covered box is designed to stay open even in windy conditions, and is detachable so bigger and bulkier items can be stored inside. And to make it easier to access the roof rack and the roof area, a set of rear bumper steps is located on both sides of the vehicle.